Chapter 606 Trooping the Mercia Capital of Tamworth
The condition of Lindsay City disappointed Rurik. This place did not look like a city, but a large rural area surrounded by low stone walls.
Only a few aristocratic residences have wooden floors, while the rest of the civilian residences are all kinds of thatched sheds.
Especially in this rainy and drizzling time, the whole city was muddy, the soldiers' bodies were stained with water, and their boots were full of black mud.
The only thing that made Rurik happy was the granary in the city. I thought the locals were not stupid enough to let the wheat get wet.
But when he personally inspected the granary, especially when he reached out to hold the bottom sack, the sword pierced it, and he was surprised when he stretched out his hand.
"Is this wheat? It's already damp! The grain officer here is an idiot."
Rurik stamped his feet in anger, but Arik didn't care.
"Brother, did you come to Britain just to plunder wheat? Why don't you just look for gold and silver like the Balmoks?"
Rurik still staggered and raised his head and said: "This place is terrible, there is no treasure to be found. At least there is still some wheat to eat, but this damn weather..."
"Next, we still have to attack their royal city."
"Yes! Tamworth, we will act immediately."
Rurik really didn't want to stay in the city of Lindsay, and the rainy weather made it difficult to light a fire, and the plundered oats were not practical.
Fortunately, the local residents still have some bread, which is obviously semolina bread made from wheat. Although it is good for filling teeth, it at least satisfies hunger.
The unsatisfied army vented their anger on the captured women, or beat other prisoners.
At least Rurik restrained his men. He allowed the Balmok allies to do whatever they wanted, which he couldn't control in the first place.
In the end, only the old priest and the five captured young priests were sheltered.
The tragedy made them angry, but true martyrs were extremely rare, and they could not have committed suicide or provoked Rurik to be killed.
Rurik stayed in the relatively dry monastery and continued to interrogate the lost old priest.
"Soon, we will be leaving. I am going to attack Tamworth and get the treasure. Now tell me, why are there almost no men in the city. You stupid lords think that a group of women can guard the city?"
The old priest explained helplessly: "Because the count led the men to attack the north, all the blacksmiths in the city were taken away. The women here are all the wives of those men."
"Oh? Is that so? I can tell you that those men were all killed by us, and maybe even your lords had their heads chopped off."
"Ah!" The old priest really listened to the young man's Latin explanation, and the information revealed in his words was really astonishing.
The old priest asked tremblingly: "Could it be that our king is really defeated?"
"Yes, even killed. You know the Vikings? We are the Vikings, and this is the Viking land now. If you locals want to survive, you must accept our rule."
"..."
"What? Patra, you are silent. Hatred?"
"..." The old pastor turned his head to the side without comment.
"It doesn't matter, we are about to attack Tamworth, and we have formed an alliance with Northumbria. The alliance will destroy Mercia, and we will leave tomorrow."
The old pastor's mind suddenly changed and he immediately asked, "What do you want me to do? I also want to know why you understand the sacred language."
"Latin? You don't need to know it. Now, I order you to lead the way for me."
Rurik did not expect this person to cooperate immediately, so he added: "This is a war that only destroys the country. It is not a robbery at all. Northumbria formed an alliance with us last year, and Mercia attacked Northumbria."
Lia, is to wage war against us. I'm afraid you never care about these things, but the bishop of Northumbria is dead, and Eynred is very worried. What do you think of yourself? Become the bishop of Northumbria.
, you have this qualification."
The old pastor, who was initially hesitant and fearful, miraculously changed his attitude.
"I am willing, as long as you do not destroy the sacred faith."
"Are you willing to cooperate? Very good."
Rurik believed in this man's cooperative attitude, and the priest who was spared was wrapped up in the army.
They are just priests and monks, and their daily lives are similar to those of ascetics, and it turns out that there is indeed no gold and silver in Lindsay Abbey.
The priests did not care about Earl Lindsay's relationship with the Mercian royal family and other earls. They only cared about how the priests stationed in monasteries preached and how many lambs they saved.
The old priest had only one request, which was that when the Viking and Northumbrian coalition forces attack Tamworth or other places, they must not kill wantonly.
Rurik only verbally agreed to this humble request.
Even if the Balmoks want to rule the Lindsay area, they don't want to just leave now. Magnut doesn't even plan to stay with a single soldier, and he has no interest in capturing prisoners.
After breaking the city, the army rested for a day and started a new journey the next day.
The corpses of the enemies who died in battle were simply thrown outside the city, and all the women and children who were controlled were released, and the city of Lindsay was even abandoned directly.
Rurik took away a batch of wheat from here, and the Balmoks took some wheat. Those who were released watched helplessly as the terrible army demolished the only wooden bridge, and continued to sail upstream in their boats until they were gone.
They fled in all directions.
The population of the entire Earl of Lindsay is not large, only 30,000 people. They live scattered in more than 200 large and small villages in the Earldom of more than 7,000 square kilometers. Although there may seem to be many people, the population is actually huge.
Severely diluted, its war potential has also become very weak.
The population of Mercia as a whole is three times greater than that of Northumbria. This may seem like a lot, but in fact it is only four to five million people. The population is distributed under the jurisdiction of various lords, and is the "Central Mercia" directly ruled by the king.
The "Western Asia" region naturally has the largest population, but it cannot achieve an overwhelming advantage at all. After decades of chaos, the lords of various places have ulterior motives, and the power is unstable after Wiglaf's restoration. The huge Mercia is not monolithic at all. The lords will be based on
Based on the principle of maximizing interests, follow the appropriate king.
Rurik realized this just from the attitude of the people in the Lindsay area. The captives were completely indifferent to the Viking army attacking their capital. They only cared about their own lives and did not care about the safety of the capital.
Thinking about it, it is understandable that the situation in Tamworth has anything to do with the farmers in Lindsay. If there was no war, these farmers could live their entire lives on an acre of land as far as the eye can see! Even if Lindsay arrives
Tamworth, sailing against the current is only a day's journey. What they care most about is the grain harvest and how much tax they should pay to the Earl this year.
The rain continued, and Rurik was fortunate that he and his allies were in good health, and there were no signs of the plague in the army.
Could it be that this late summer and early autumn rain can last for half a month?
The rain brought trouble to the army, and dialectically it also severely limited the military strength of the Mercians.
It was about evening, and the Viking army had already rushed to Tamworth.
"Is that your capital?" Rurik grabbed the old priest and asked.
What an experience it was to sit on a barbarian ship, he thought of Noah's Ark. The old priest said under the drizzle: "That is indeed Tamworth. It is the largest city in Mercia."
"It is indeed a big city." Rurik squinted. He could not see the details of the city in the drizzle. In terms of its outline, it was indeed the size of York, or even larger.
He saw that this city built by the water had a stone wall and a taller stone fortress, which should be the king's inner city.
The old priest revealed more information, that is, the king's fortress was on the mound in the city, and the monastery was also built there.
"Are there any gold or silver treasures in the castle?" Rurik asked knowingly.
"Yes, treasure. After you take the gold and silver, don't hurt the people."
"I will try my best to restrain my subordinates, but I need wheat. As long as I get enough wheat, I will be satisfied."
Rurik had no intention of talking nonsense with this person and immediately commanded his Russian troops to start disembarking.
They landed in the rain, and a team carried axes to destroy all the wooden bridges across the Trent River.
Starting an attack immediately? It is obviously inappropriate.
Magnute and Biyoni couldn't wait. When they saw the big city, they wanted to launch a plunder immediately. Rurik was shocked that they were so impatient and immediately refused to bring their own troops to cooperate. This move also forced the two to suspend the offensive.
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The Russians were busy unloading the torsion slingshots and trebuchets on board the ships and installing them on carts to become mobile weapons.
They unloaded a large number of arrows, inspected the long siege ladders, and even unloaded the wooden battering rams tied to the sides of the ships for ramming the doors.
Rurik was even setting up a tent, and Magnut called this step by step a waste of opportunity. He was also filled with anger. The bad rainy weather made this anger even more serious.
The tents were still set up, and the army built a camp in the woods by the river.
A large group of armed men suddenly appeared, and villagers living near Tamworth discovered the situation.
The villagers fled into the city. When the residents of the royal city, who had been tormented by the rain, heard the news, they first ran to the city to find out what was going on. Then they were frightened and overwhelmed, and instinctively closed the city gate tightly.
Who are they? This is what Wang Cheng wants to know most.
Is it the Wessex army? I'm afraid that's the most likely possibility.
The kingdom had only been freed from the rule of Wessex for three years when the bath-loving man arrived in Tamworth with his troops to force the then king to surrender.
Today's king is a tough man, but King Wiglaf went to the north with his elite troops. Could it be that the King of Wessex felt that another opportunity had come? If Wessex attacked, why didn't the southern lords and earls report to the capital?
?
Prince Botwulf, the first heir to the throne, had been appointed by his father to act as the agent of the country. Now the young prince has encountered the biggest test in his life.
The capital immediately fell into chaos. Rumors spread all over the place, and nearby people poured into the city, further exacerbating the chaos!
"Chief Guard! Lead the troops to arrest those who spread rumors and escort them to the city square!"
"Grain officer, open the granary and distribute some grain!"
"City gate guards, immediately close all four gates. No one is allowed to go out or enter."
"Centurions, gather your soldiers. If there are not enough, we will seize them from the people. Send me an order. Men under the age of fifteen must take up arms. You can control them."
"My Lord Bishop, parade around with the sacred vessels to reassure the people and reassure them that Tamworth is safe."
It has to be said that in terms of issuing decrees, "Prince Supervisor" Bothwulf made a smart and correct decision.
However, it will take time to implement these decrees, but the most important thing is to stabilize people's hearts, and one thing in particular must be done - killing those who spread failed remarks.
Soon a group of "traitors" who spread unfavorable remarks were caught. Even if someone cried out for injustice, their solution was to be publicly hanged in the city square tomorrow.
Under the tense atmosphere, Botwulf couldn't sleep at all. When the soldiers reported that a group of people spreading messages had been caught, and there was no chaos brewing in the city, his nervousness eased slightly.
He silently prayed that the sudden arrival of the armed crowd and the strange ship would not make a sudden attack. As long as he gave himself a little time, he could arm the people in the city and form a defensive army.
Suddenly, a bell sounded in my ears.
"Stupid priest, you lead the people to pray only to calm the people's hearts and pray to God to destroy the enemy. You actually say mass at night!"
Botwulf was more pragmatic than his father, and was originally opposed to his father Wiglaf going to the border to provoke neighboring countries. Even if he established royal authority, he should not do so. However, he did not deny that a strange army was approaching the city. If he
If you lead the city garrison to defend the city, your prestige will inevitably increase, and the authority of the royal family will naturally be elevated.
Crisis and opportunity always come together, and Botwulf was so stunned that he had no intention of falling asleep. He put on his chainmail and personally took his attendants to supervise the recruitment of soldiers.
That night, the rain finally stopped!
The world was still wet, and the Ross and Balmoq troops hurriedly attacked a nearby village with empty buildings and set the dry wood on fire, so that everyone who was wet finally had a chance to dry their clothes.
The coalition forces were busy cooking wheat, and the soldiers discussed the next plans of the big shots with each other. On the other hand, the soldiers who destroyed the two bridges also returned.
Rurik's big tent was closed, but Magnute was still complaining, and his words inevitably contained a hint of anger.
"My son, do you plan to attack tomorrow?"
"No!"
"Huh? Did I hear it wrong?" Magnute was surprised again.
"Our footing is not stable now. Look at the world around us, which is still muddy. This environment is not suitable for fighting. I'm worried about something and I don't want to take risks."
"What's so scary? Should we declare no war just because it rains or snows? Real warriors won't do that. You said that we have just arrived and our footing is unstable, so it would be inappropriate to launch a sudden attack. I do understand. Should we rest after a night's rest?
Is it still impossible to launch another attack?" Biyongni looked like he was sharpening his sword, "I led my brother to attack with a ladder, and we won quickly."
"It would be best if we win quickly. But I have a bad feeling that we will be in danger if we forcefully attack the city."
"There's nothing to be afraid of." Even Arik said so now.
Rurik shook his head and looked around. It seemed that the tent was filled with impatient quick-war factions. He beat his chest and raised his voice: "I am the commander-in-chief, and everyone listens to me! If I destroy the bridge, I will cut off the enemy's possible support.
If we attack the city rashly, if the enemy is on guard, hundreds of us may die! I feel that something is wrong, and the capital of Mercia must be on guard."
Rurik suddenly became cautious, and everyone was confused. When he talked about possible casualties, everyone had to think about it. There was a reason for his caution, because the old priest claimed that the royal city had been preparing for the Wessex crusade.
There are city defense measures. The previous attack on Lindsay was actually because there was almost no city defense in that city. Now facing Tamworth, which has always been on defense, it is not wise to attack with arrogant troops.
"We still have to wait! After the Northumbrian army arrives, we can work together to attack the city."
"Is this necessary? Those cowards! If they had the strength, they would have launched an attack a long time ago." Arik continued to say disdainfully.
"It is very necessary. Once they attack by force, let them attack mainly and we can provide assistance from the rear. Let the Northumbrians and Mercians fight to the death. The greatest benefit will be for us."
Rurik felt that his arrangement was the best, but unexpectedly, the people present were still eager to fight. Some even thought that giving up the chance of a deadly battle to the idiots of Northumbria was embarrassing the true warrior of Odin.
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Arik shouted: "My dear brother, please recognize the reality. Not only Balmok friends, but also our own people are eager to go to war. What kind of profit and water have you made in Lindsay City? Everyone wants to eat meat! Want
Eat wheat! You also want gold and silver. Everyone follows you because you can bring victory and the wealth after victory. We now have a strong army, why should we wait for those guys? Even if what you say makes sense, in my opinion, I still lead
If I attack with the First Flag Troop, I can kick open the wooden door of Tamworth with one foot."
What my cousin said was really troublesome, as it meant that my brother readily expressed his opposition to my decision.
Attack by force? When the enemy's situation is unclear, there is a high probability that you are seeking death.
Looking at the current situation, it is obvious that if we do not launch an attack, some people will take action without authorization. For example, the Balmok army, a large group of them only obey Magnut's orders, as long as the old guy is willing
, they will attack by force.
This battle will only go smoothly if you hold your troops still and open up your military formations to frighten the Mercians with a huge army. At the same time, your own army makes the necessary preparations for the siege.
This wishful thinking seems to be about to be adjusted, because the old guy Magnute has spoken, and he even pretended to be the "King of the Kingdom of York" and spoke on behalf of all Balmok friendly forces.
"Rurik! My son, your caution is unnecessary. I have decided that tomorrow I will lead the army to attack the city. I already have enough experience in how to attack the city. You Russians had better support us, if not
It doesn’t matter.”
"But father... I am the commander-in-chief, and you should continue to obey my decision."
Hearing this, Magnute burst out laughing, showing his incomplete teeth and smiling very unrestrainedly.
"There is nothing to be cautious about. If a warrior dies in battle, that is his fate. Rurik, I am the king, right? In the crusade against Northumbria, brothers support you as the commander-in-chief. We are now in the crusade against Mercia.
, I am going to attack them as the Kingdom of York, you should actually obey my command. Maybe your decision is correct, and everyone's attitude is very firm. You'd better use tonight to prepare, we Balmoq people will take action tomorrow,
Your arrows must be well prepared for support."
Rurik gritted his teeth. Over the years he had always been a military commander, but this time he felt isolated for the first time.
A headstrong old man with a white beard stood in front of him, even if this man was his father-in-law.
Rurik was furious and stamped his feet in anger.
Once a man gains power and achieves success, will he inevitably forget about himself because of his pride? Today's Magnute is clearly such a person.
Rurik was quite cautious, but he didn't want to be controlled by others.
"Father," he said righteously, "I dare say that if you take action tomorrow, you will definitely encounter setbacks. We don't even know what the enemy's defense situation is, so why don't we launch a tentative attack? You want to attack by force, can you afford to lose?"
Magnute also lost his temper. This was the first time he lost his temper to his son-in-law: "You? Are you cursing me for failure? We are an alliance, so you are not afraid of hoping for my good?"
"Just because we are an alliance, you should obey my command as you did in the past. Father, ask yourself, which of the Balmoks' victories in Britain was not achieved by my command?"
This is indeed the case, and Magnute cannot deny it.
It looks like two people, one big and one small, are quarreling, but in fact they are considered peers.
Many times Rurik would ignore the "old" soul in his young body. Now he has seen through the harshness of the world, and it is natural to be cautious and methodical in doing things, but he lacks the impulse after anger.
Rurik was unable to convince Magnut at all. This old guy who was eager for wealth and power had his own difficulties, because he regarded the conquest of Tamworth, the capital of Mercia, as the greatest achievement in the last stage of his life.
What's wrong with sacrificing the lives of many tribesmen to fulfill themselves? Besides, the Balmoq warriors who landed in Britain were all aiming to make a fortune by looting Tamworth.
Magnut simply shouted: "Tomorrow, I will lead the army to achieve a pure victory of Balmok. Rurik, you are too cautious. You can not bring troops to help, but if you do that, according to the
You have no right to enter the city and plunder our traditions."
It might be too much to convince an old stubborn. Rurik considered that the alliance between the two parties was very necessary for at least the next ten years, so he still had to bow to the situation.
Arriving at the gates of Tamworth in the evening, they launched a strong attack the next morning.
Then let's fight! Magnute would rather die for the sake of glory, so let him do it. It's true that mercy is the answer, Rurik just wants to provide long-range support from the rear.